White, cognac and blue in a Swedish apartment

When I look at this apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden I think fresh, relaxed and warm.  I'm also a long term fan of the colour scheme blue, white and cognac and not many do it better than stylists and estate agents Alvhem. I could certainly see my self padding around here and reading a book in one of the pools of light, couldn't you?

Alvhem via 79 ideas

The 'Kakelugn' or tiled fireplace is another element I could imagine having in my dream cottage but it would need to be in addition to the wood burning stove!

For more fabulous Swedish apartment inspiration with a kakelugn try here and here and for an incredible danish one here.

I'm starting to feel I can no longer live without a fireplace, hmmmm what to do?! Perhaps you can help me figure out where to put one from the first part in my mini weekly series 'my home captured by Karin' tomorrow? A little nervous about showing my home, as always!

Have a lovely day!

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A Charming Blend of Old and New in a Stockholm Home

It's a school holiday this week in Southern Sweden and I feel like I'm the only one up, tapping away on my laptop in a cafe by the sea. The clocks went back at the weekend which means darker nights - which in turn means the warm glow from lamps, candles and log fires. Further North, snow covers the ground and the birds taken flight to warmer climes. It's a time for cosying up at home by the fire, reading and taking long walks. And I'm all for it! 

This lovely Stockholm apartment is owned by Mina and Carlo, founders of IO Kids Design and is located in 'Söder', a hipster part of town with some of the Swedish capital's best cafes and restaurants. Even so, when the temperatures hit minus, being tucked up under a blanket beside the kakelugn (tiled masonry oven) is the way to go! Keep a look out for personal touches, a blend of antique and designer pieces as well as the beautiful entrance way. 

I hope you find something in this lovely home to inspire you! 

Two tone kitchens are where it's at right now. The apartment owner Carlo Negri - an architect for Sweco, designed this kitchen. I love how the upper cabinets are in wood, adding lots of warmth to the space. 

Carlo also designed the book cases in the sitting room and bedroom. 

Space is limited in the city and many get creative to make space for the entire family. In this aprtment, the children's room is divided into two using a series of closets.

This bunkbed is next level (literally!). I actually haven't seen one like this before. Does anyone have any tips on where it might be from?  UPDATE: it's called the IO Bunk Pod and was designed by Mina and her husband - the owners of this apartment and founders of IO Kids Design!

The other half of the room is small (yet cosy) - with enough space for a charming antique bed! 

I love these grand early 19th century communal entryways you find in Sweden! 

Confused about the layout? Here's the floorplan as shared by Historiska Hem: 

Glossary: sovrum - bedroom, Kakelugn - fireplace, allrum - living room, bad - bathroom, kök - kitchen, Gardrob - wardrobes.

I love the exterior of this property too - classic Stockholm! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely apartment? 

Why not cosy up for a while and see a few other incredible apartments from the Swedish capital here: 

A charming Stockholm home in wintertime

A lovely Stockholm home where past and present meet

Get the look from the fab Stockholm home of a design hunter

Right folks, the autumn sun is shining and I've got two children (teenagers) here at home waiting to get into action (actually they're still asleep so they don't know that yet, but they will be!). 

Wishing you a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Historiska Hem with thanks 

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A 19th Century Swedish Apartment Where Old Meets New

It's a misty morning here in Malmö and I can hear the sound of fog horns drifting across the strait. I love that ever-present reminder of the sea, even if it's in a bit of a mood today. Sweden's capital city further North spans many islands and the water is never far away. Many commuters hop on ferries to get from A to B. 

This has little to do with today's apartment tour, save for the fact that it's located in Södermalm (known locally as 'Söder') one of Stockholm's hottest neighbourhoods which is surrounded by water on all sides. I was immediately drawn to this striking apartment thanks to the contrast. It's a living space where rough meets smooth and old meets new.   

Think contemporary touches in the form of exposed plaster and a pink kitchen nestled beside decorative 19th century masonry ovens and beautiful period features. Small groups of fascinating objects also help to add interest. Plenty of ideas to feel inspired by! 

I'm often asked about TV placement. I really appreciate how the furniture has been placed in a social way and the TV is nestled on a shelf as a side-show rather than as the focal point in the room. 

Many of the magnificent 'kakelugn' (tiled masonry ovens) you see in Swedish homes are still in good working order today. Although incredibly efficient, they serve as a more decorative nod to the past than a source of energy - especially in urban homes! 

Over the years I've observed that Swedes are careful to create a calm vibe in the bedroom, opting for serene whites or soothing blues, greens or greys and keeping the space clutter-free. 

It was a bold move to leave the walls bare in the kitchen and sitting room but I think it makes a strong impact! 

Would you consider doing this in your home? 

See more homes which include exposed elements in the archives:

Brickwork

The storekeeper's house

A fabulous Dutch house in an old tannery

Beams

Before and after, a dreamy home in Montana

A Swedish home where the past meets the present

A relaxed family home with sky high beams!

A bright, light-filled loft with magnificent beams

Plaster: 

An eye-catching plaster wall in a Swedish home

A dreamy Copenhagen home full of books, arts and Danish design

The stunning Bavarian home of a photographer

So many beautiful ways to reveal the history of a home - and add interest! 

Niki

Photography - Tommy Andersson

For sale via Bjurfors

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A tranquil, light-filled Swedish home

Good old Emma Fischer - up to her usual wizardry styling tricks! This beautiful Gothenburg home she styled for Bjurfors recently perfectly captures my image of the Swedish home - pared-back, light-filled, and featuring an abundance of natural materials.  Think soft, muted tones, paper, wool, wood and an abundance of plants. The entire apartment is an exercise in peace and tranquillity! Prepare to lower your pulse!

Mantis BS3 table lamp*

This looks very much like The Frame TV (which cleverly disguises itself as art). I've had a weakness for these ever since my greenhouse make-over with Emily Henderson.

I'd love to be able to update the post with the name of the chair in the foreground if anyone knows it?

As you know, I do love a Kakelugn (Swedish masonry oven), and this looks like one in full working condition too - yay!

Formakami JH4 Pendant lamp* (also seen in this relaxed Stockholm home!), Ant chair*

Klong oil lamp* (I love these - they come in a ton of different colours and materials too). And just how beautiful is the table? A vintage / antique find - keep looking guys, they turn up when you're least expecting it!

 

My friend and neighbour Lisa Hilland designed the stunning Torso chair* - she's so talented, I really must see if she'd like to participate in a design story so I can share more of her designs with you! Pick up a similar pretty ruffled bed skirt here*.

I love the off-white wall colour too, it's so calming. I wonder what shade it is? I recently painted my daughters room in Complexion by Jotun - I can also highly recommend it, but it has a slightly warm, pinkish hue to it.

Aaaaa, who needs yoga when you can have a home like this?

I so enjoyed the tour, how about you? It's made me feel the need to nip out and buy a couple of cheese plants too!

Is there anything that inspired you about this home?

If you'd like to see more beautiful Swedish homes today - why not take a tour of this archive - there are literally hundreds and hundreds of drool-worthy spaces in there. Varsågod!

Have a lovely day y'all!

Niki

PS I'm so excited to be holding a FAB global give-away to win a set of Montana Free Shelving System on Instagram until 6th October - if you'd love one of these in your home hop over here to enter!

Photography Alen Cordic / Styling Emma Fischer for Bjurfors 


Affiliated links in this post marked with *

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5

A Swedish home in greys, white and black

In Sweden it's hard to get short of interior inspiration when you have estate agents that take such care over their home styling and photography. This Stockholm apartment is on the market through Fantastic Frank. They've cleverely bled the images to even out the colour scheme and brought the apartment to life by laying the table in the kitchen, and adding items such as the coffee cups on the coffee table and the shoes in the hall.

Fantastic Frank via 79 ideas

I love the grey tones and the original features such as the Kakelugn in the sitting room (love the horse cushion in the chair next to it too!). What about you?

In my home there are always many, many, many 'signs of life'.....:) one day I'll have a permanently tidy home, really I will. What about you?!

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